Your outdated gaming laptop is likely to hold some resale value still.

Why not resell your older gaming laptop for some cash when upgrading your gear? Gaming computers are notoriously expensive, but they also hold better value over time compared to regular home use laptops. Of course, its resale price will depend on the brand, release date, and internal components, but regardless, you can find a buyer relatively easily. Besides, there are plenty of buyback sites and marketplaces where you can sell your gaming laptop for money.  

This article shares a few tips and tricks on preparing your computer for resale the right way.

How to Sell a Used Gaming Laptop?

Before parting ways with your older gaming notebook, be sure to do the following.

Backup your data

If you haven’t done so already, start with backing up your old files and programs. Save everything you might need down the line when you are ready to transfer your files to a new computer. 

You can create a backup using one of the three options:

• A cloud service. Using Dropbox or Google Drive is probably the easiest way to backup. Simply select everything you need to save (games, media, work files, etc.) and upload it to the cloud.
• An external hard drive. This old-school method arguably is the most reliable. It is also the best way to transfer large files.
• Computer-to-computer transfer. Assuming you have already bought a new laptop, you can transfer your data directly. For that, you will need a data cable to connect both devices.  

Back up your game settings

Once you backup your old gaming laptop, it would also make sense to save the gaming settings, assuming you plan to continue playing in the future. However, the method will depend on the games and gaming apps you use. For instance, Origin, Steam, and other gaming platforms automatically back up your settings and data to their cloud service. Thus, you don’t even have to worry about backing up manually.  

However, we advise you to double-check to ensure everything is synced correctly. For example, if you use Epic Games Store, go to Settings > Enable Cloud Saves. For Origin, hover over your profile picture > Application Setting > Installs and Saves > toggle Saves on under Cloud Storage. Finally, if using the Steam platform, go to Steam > Settings > Cloud > Enable Steam Cloud synchronization for applications that support the option.

Sign out from all linked accounts

Before selling your older gaming laptop, do sign out of your Microsoft and all other linked accounts. You want to remove them from the computer you are selling to prevent unauthorized access in the future. 

Here is how to sign out from some of the most commonly used gaming accounts: Xbox, Steam, and Origin.

Microsoft (Xbox):

• Sign in to your Microsoft account and navigate to the Your devices menu.
• Look for the laptop you are selling and click on the Remove link.
• Hover over the “I’m ready to remove this device” option and click Remove.
• Wait for the confirmation page to appear and sign out.

To delete your Xbox profile:

• Go to the Settings > System > Storage > All devices > Gamer Profiles.
• Select the gamer tag you want to delete and click Delete.
• Choose the Delete profile option to finish.

Steam Account:

To sign out, please follow this string: Steam > Settings > Account > Manage Steam Guard Account Security > De-authorize all other devices now. Lastly, sign out from your account.

Origin Account:

• Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Origin > Uninstall.
• When the warning appears, click Uninstall to confirm and continue.

Finally, if you are a proud Alienware owner, be sure to check out our post about how to sell a used Alienware laptop.

Where to Sell a Gaming Laptop

When it comes to reselling used gaming laptops, the possibilities are plentiful. For example, you can list it on a marketplace like eBay or OfferUp. Or you can use a third-party buyback service and skip the listing headache altogether. But picking the best selling option depends on your specific situation.

With that said, selling the computer your own will probably get you more money. But it also requires more time and effort because you have to create a compelling listing, take good pictures, monitor market prices, respond to offers and negotiate, etc. On the other hand, selling via a buyback site is a hassle-free and streamlined experience, but for a lesser total cash payout. 

Yet, more and more sellers resort to buyback sites like ours, Gadget Salvation, because the service is free, and you get paid much faster. Besides, you can calculate an instant and upfront offer before you decide to send your gaming laptop in.   

Bottom Line

When you decide to sell your gaming laptop, it is important to up and reset it first. Then, shop around for prices and get a few offers before determining how to proceed. Wave your options. We recommend picking a platform that guarantees a quick turnaround; after all, preowned technology depreciates rapidly.